WMU aviation instructor, student win statewide awards
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Transportation has recognized a Western Michigan University faculty member and student among the best in the state’s aviation community. Stephanie Ward, instructor of airport operations, is 2025 Aviation Educator of the Year, and Reed Hudson, an aviation operations and management student, is Aviation Student of the Year. The awards were presented at the 2026 Michigan Airport Conference in East Lansing.
“We couldn’t be prouder to see Stephanie and Reed recognized for their excellence in the aviation industry,” says Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. “Both of them demonstrate how the College of Aviation’s commitment to Experience-Driven Learning and connections within the industry propel our students to success.”
Every year, MDOT recognizes airports and individuals in Michigan whose innovative contributions have led to improvements in facilities, operations or public relations that helped grow aviation in the state.
“The hard work and dedication these airports and individuals have made are truly commendable in making airports safe, connecting people, recruiting new talent and growing the economy,” says Bryan Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director.
About the winners
Ward, who is manager of aviation planning at Mead & Hunt, has been a part-time instructor at Western since 2020. Her course at WMU takes students inside airport planning, offering them in-depth insight into developing airport layout plans, public involvement and environmental review. Her students also have the opportunity to put what they’re learning into practice in real time through a case study at a local airport.
“What’s really a passion for me is exposing young and older people alike to the wide range of careers in the aviation industry,” Ward says. “I love that past students connect with me on LinkedIn and will message me to say they used something from my class in their day-to-day life while on the job. It is very rewarding!”
In addition to teaching, Ward also contributes to industry events such as teaching at the American Association of Airport Executives symposium and actively participating in Women in Aviation International Girls in Aviation Day.
“Stephanie’s commitment to airport consulting shines through in her teaching, as she actively encourages interest and development within the airport planning field,” her nominators wrote. “Through teaching at WMU, she aims to attract talented professionals who can help enhance services at Michigan airports.”
Ward inspires students like Hudson to pursue careers in aviation management. During his time at Western, he has completed two summer internships at Cherry Capital Airport as well as shadowed airport operations during the most recent winter season.
“Reed has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and commitment to advancing his aviation education,” supervisors wrote in his award nomination.
Hudson made such an impression with the team at Cherry Capital Airport that he was offered a full-time job as an operations supervisor, which he will start after graduation in May.
“During my time at Western, being part of a community-driven environment exposed me to new perspectives on aviation and encouraged me to view the aviation world with a different lens. These experiences strengthened my motivation to pursue a career in aviation and continue developing professionally,” says Hudson, who initially planned to pursue a degree in aviation flight science before a meeting with administrators inspired him to change course to management and operations.
“They inspired me with their passion and dedication, as well as their love for their jobs,” he says. “It awoke a similar passion in myself that I hope I can share with others as I start my new job!”
About Western’s College of Aviation
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation—recognized among the six best flight schools in the world by Study International—offers the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in the state of Michigan. With more than 1,200 undergraduate students, it is one of the largest aviation programs in the nation. Backed by more than 85 years of aviation experience, education and an excellent industry reputation, WMU's College of Aviation is a powerful force in the future of aviation training.
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